Methodist Intermediate Fellowship

Our Methodist Intermediate Fellowship was formally established on 14 April 1952, with strong encouragement from the wife of Rev. 方明德. As its first adviser, she guided the young people in understanding the truth and receiving training for enthusiastic service in the church. The fellowship was active and well attended. Before long, she accompanied Rev. 方明德 to his new appointment in Singapore. Mr 陈启昭 succeeded her as adviser and served for 18 years, retiring in December 1970. He contributed greatly to the Methodist Intermediate Fellowship. Under his leadership, its activities included ball games, early-morning worship, retreats and Christmas carolling. Many of those he mentored later studied abroad or became office-bearers in the Youth and Adult Fellowships, and some became church church officers. Members expressed their love for the church by making a large signboard for its kindergarten, which was still in use when this account was written. Before Christmas 1970, they also repainted the church fence silver as another act of loving service. In 1971, Ms 陈雪兰 and Mr 刘顺荣 became joint advisers. Their efforts brought some growth in membership, but both stepped down after a year because of work commitments. Although there was no adviser in 1972 or 1973, the Lord continued to guide the fellowship's work. Mr 郭赳赳 became adviser in 1974 but resigned after a year because of other commitments. Mr 罗华明 took over in 1975, reorganising the fellowship to strengthen members in biblical truth and spiritual understanding, while training them to be responsible young Christians. Past Advisers Wife of Rev. 方明德, 1952 陈启昭, 1953–1970 陈雪兰, 1971 郭赳赳, 1974 Methodist Intermediate Fellowship, 1952 Christmas carolling team, 1962 Members singing an anthem, 1973 The president cutting the celebration cake, 1973 Tea gathering, 1973 Adviser 罗华明 with office-bearers, 1975 Ms 陈珍宝 served as adviser from 1979 to 1980. A faithful servant, she attended weekly fellowship meetings to offer guidance and often shared messages. Activities gradually increased. Scripture memorisation competitions encouraged members to read God's Word, while school holidays brought seaside picnics and opportunities to distribute gospel tracts near the church. Ms 林逸云 served as adviser from 1981 to 1982, followed again by Ms 陈珍宝 from 1983 to 1990. The fellowship held its first junior training camp in 1987 to help members understand their faith more clearly and develop their abilities in leading singing and programmes. From 1989, meetings moved from 3.30 pm to 8.00 pm, and the venue changed to the 80th Anniversary Hall. From 1991, Rev. 黄 and the Methodist Intermediate Fellowship officers planned its activities together. At the Local Church Executive Committee meeting in March 1995, recognising the pastor's growing responsibilities, the church officers appointed three church officers as fellowship advisers. They were to assist the pastor in this ministry, providing the care and nurture young people needed to grow into people equipped for God's service. Advisers and office-bearers, 1995 Teen Fellowship group photograph